At UFC Atlanta, Kamaru Usman steps into the Octagon with something to prove—reminding the welterweight division why he was once hailed as one of the greatest champions to ever grace the UFC. Now riding a three-fight skid, the former titleholder is in desperate need of a statement win. His clash with the surging Joaquin Buckley, undefeated at 170 pounds, could be the turning point. But is Usman truly prepared for this new wave? Former UFC fighter and Hall of Famer Din Thomas isn’t so sure—and he’s posing a critical question ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ must answer.

Joaquin Buckley moved to the welterweight division after being knocked out by Chris Curtis in the second round at UFC 282. ‘New Mansa’ believed that cutting weight to compete at welterweight would work wonders for him—and he was absolutely right. Since making the switch from middleweight, Buckley has fought six times in the welterweight division and remains undefeated. Buckley is undeniably a major challenge for Usman, who turns 38 on May 11. He has repeatedly stated that he struggles with health issues, particularly with his knees.

So, former UFC fighter and Hall of Fame member Din Thomas believes that UFC Atlanta might be the point where Usman would seriously consider otherwise. “He’s more than anything else, hungry for the opportunity, He’s hungry to show what he can do. You’ve got a guy like Kamaru Usman, who is not really that hungry because he’s already been fed. He ate already. He’s just trying to get seconds. He’s older. I don’t know. I’m hoping he can go out there and put on a good fight, but I don’t know. I don’t see it,” quipped Thomas in his conversation with MMAJunkie.

He further added, “I just don’t know. This MMA game is brutal. Everyone says I’m being a hater. I’m not being a hater. I just know how brutal it is. For as much as I would like to see Kamaru go out there and do good things, I just don’t know if he has the knees. I don’t know if he has the knees to do it.” 

Yes, there was a time when Kamaru Usman was regarded as the boogeyman of the division, but that time has long passed—at least according to Din Thomas, who believes that the young and hungry Buckley possesses every weapon to overcome Usman in his arsenal. Buckley might be on his dream run right now, however, it would be a grave mistake to rule out Usman completely.

In his last battle, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ gave Khamzat Chimaev a run for his money despite fighting him at short notice. Well, Kamaru Usman would certainly look to capture the victory, and according to Daniel Cormier, this might be his last chance to redeem himself.

Daniel Cormier says UFC Atlanta is Kamaru Usman’s last chance to stay relevant

While having a conversation with Chael Sonnen on the latest episode of Good Guy/Bad Guy, Daniel Cormier stated that Kamaru Usman is certainly one of the best to enter the Octagon. ‘DC’ praised Usman for his past endeavors, but still, the former dual-weight champion believes that this might be his last chance to show everyone that he is still relevant within the division.

“So yes, Usman doing what he did should be applauded, but a win over Buckley can propel him forward. Doesn’t matter what happened with Leon Edwards because he’s the biggest name, and if he wins he can then yell, ‘Belal Muhammad, Jack Della Maddalena, I want my shot,’ especially if Shavkat (Rakhmonov) is still hurt, and those guys will listen,” said Cormier.

He further added, “Is it safe to say that we are right in the midst of Kamaru’s last chance – not best chance, this is his last chance to try to not only become a champion, but to even really stay relevant in his division.” The last time Kamaru Usman embraced the Octagon was way back in 2023 when he fought against Khamzat Chimaev in a short-notice fight at UFC 294.

It’s been approximately two years since that battle, and Usman appears ready, but will he be able to make a statement? What are your thoughts on ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’s comeback? State your opinion in the comments below.